Because staff and volunteers worked hard, they were able to accomplish great results in only three hours of work on June 11.

An astounding 1,611 consumers shredded their sensitive documents during the event (645 in Denver, 327 in Black Forest, 416 in Fort Collins and 223 in Pueblo). More than 50,000 pounds of paper were shredded, which helped save 175 trees. Each site broke its record for shredding this year.

We had 78 volunteers from AARP ElderWatch and AARP Colorado’s community partners, who put in 312 volunteer hours.

In addition, we added a food drive this year and the opportunity to sign-up for the Colorado “Do Not Call” list.

We collected 3,217 pounds of food to help alleviate senior hunger in the various communities and signed up 380 Coloradans on the “Do Not Call” list, which is about 22 percent of the overall attendance.

The following are just a few comments made by those who participated in the event:

“Thank you for this service, how can I help next year?”

“You do not understand what a relief this is to me to be able to shred these documents.”

“Thank you for working to end hunger; it’s so hard for people right now.”

“Thank you AARP! This is such a benefit!”

“When will you be back?”

“I didn’t bring food today, but I want to help, what can I do?”

“I’m cleaning out my parents’ basement, and they have financial papers from the 50’s; thank you for helping lower my stress level.”

The Shred Instead event shows the amazing collaboration by community partners and AARP ElderWatch/AARP. We are looking forward to an even more successful event next year.